ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP) on function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and its nitric oxide (NO) secretion. METHODS: Total mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood by ficoll density gradient centrifugation and inoculated on the human fibro-ligandin encrusting plate. After 7 days of in vitro culture, adherent cells were collected and incubated with SBP for 24 h. The proliferation, migration, adhesive activity, vasculogenesis capacity and NO secretion of EPCs were assayed using MTT, Transwell chamber, adhesion determination, in vitro vasculogenesis kit and nitrate reductase method, respectively. RESULTS: EPCs incubated with SBP showed the capacities higher than those of control in proliferation, migration, adhesion, in vitro vasculogenesis, and with a higher NO concentration in the culture supernatant. CONCLUSION: SBP can improve the function of EPCs, which might be a novel mechanism of its effects in improving vascular endothelial function and promoting angiogenesis.
